KMTT - the Torah Podcast

Simcha - An Essential Component of Torah Study (Avot 6:6), by Rav Dovid Gottlieb Why is it so important that we find joy in our Torah study? Learning Pirkei Avot with the commentary of Rav Asher Weiss

Bamidbar | The Reasoning Behind The Exchange of the Levi'im for the Firstborn, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom Perhaps the most curious item in the entire census (which covers the first 5 chapters of Bamidbar, properly speaking) is the command to exchange the Levi'im for the Bekhorot (firstborn males) and the subsequent directive to redeem the surplus Bekhorot, which became the paradigm for "Pidyon haBen." Why the first born were to be "de-sanctified" at all is never explained in the text, nor why the Levi'im are their "replacements". We examine the "popular" approach which first appears in a relatively late Midrash - that the Bekhorot all (?) sinned in the episode of the Golden Calf and that the Levi'im, contradistinctively, were the religious heroes of that dark moment and note several textual challenges to each of those assumptions. After a brief discussion, a novel suggestion is made that explains both sides of the question - the "redemption" of the Bekhorot as well as the initiation of the Levi'im into the sanctified world of the Mishkan. This shiur was given in memory of שושנה תמר בת הרב אשר אהרן ומרים ז״ל Source sheet >>

Ramban on the Torah | 45 | Bamidbar, by Rav Eli Weber Why are we not allowed to count Am Israel? Why is Levi the smallest tribe?

Yom Yerushalayim 2024 | Hodu LaShem Ki Tov, by Rav Moshe Taragin From the miracles of 1967 to the darkness of 2024, it is important to recognize Hashem's presence in this world

The Conquest of Yerushalayim: The Blind and the Lame, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom In honor of Yom Yerushalayim, we examine the curious presentation in II Shmuel 5 of David's "conquest" of Yerushalayim, with the puzzling mention of the "blind and the lame". Surveying the pre-monarchic history of Yerushalayim in Tanakh reveals numerous anomalies; the earliest reference to "Shalem" helps us unravel these mysteries and address the odd phrases in this story. This shiur was given in memory of Nechama Rivlin ז"ל, the wife of our President Reuven Rivlin, a scion of a notable family that has helped rebuild Yerushalayim in the modern era. יהי זכרה ברוך Source sheet >>

Yom Yerushalayim | The Never Changing, Ever Changing City, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom As we celebrate the reunification, בחסדי שמים, of Yerushalayim, we take a look at a favorite Psalm associated with the day; this Tehilla alludes to the dialectic nature of Tziyon, its stability offset by the dynamic experience of visiting our capitol city. This shiur was given at Congregation Poale Zedeck in Pittsburgh on Yom Yerushalayim 2019 in honor of that celebration. Source sheet >>

Torah Lishmah and "Clothing" our Nakedness (Avot 6:1), by Rav Dovid Gottlieb Without these middot we are basically naked .... Learning Pirkei Avot with the commentary of Rav Asher Weiss

Decorating the Shul on Shavuot: Custom and Controversy, by Rav Dovid Gottlieb This shiur was given to the Kehillat HaEla women's group in Ramat Beit Shemesh. Discussing one of the very well-known traditional customs, which it turns out, was a hotly debated minhag.

Midot are the Foundation of Everything (Avot 5:19), by Rav Dovid Gottlieb If midot are important why are they not counted among the 613 mitzvot?? Learning Pirkei Avot with the commentary of Rav Asher Weiss

Bechukotai | Rebuke and Memory, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom Why is the rebuke (תוכחה) in Vayikra so much softer than its counterpart in Devarim? Just having "gotten up" from Shiv'a for his beloved sister, שושנה תמר ז"ל, Rav Etshalom shares observations about the תוכחה, contrasting it with the much more severe threats in Devarim 28 (Ki Tavo) and commenting on the role of memory in the process of moving forward from mourning. יהא זכרה ברוך Source sheet >>

Ramban on the Torah | 44 | Bechukotai, by Rav Eli Weber What is the meaning of nature in Ramban's philosophy?

Appreciating Our Potential to Sustain or Destroy the World (Avot 5:1), by Rav Dovid Gottlieb How do our actions - for good or otherwise - impact the world?? Learning Pirkei Avot with the commentary of Rav Asher Weiss

Behar | When and Where? by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom Why is the end of Sefer Vayikra identified with Har Sinai? The last three chapters of Vayikra are identified as being given by Hashem to Moshe בהר סיני - which is typically understood to mean, in apposition to מאהל מועד, atop the mountain and, therefore, before the construction of the Mishkan. This presents a challenge to chronological sequencing of the Torah (מוקדם ומאוחר בתורה), since the first (presumably 24) chapters of Vayikra were given in the "Tent of Meeting". We explore the various approaches of the Midrash Halakha and the Rishonim in deciphering the text's identifying these passages as being given at Har Sinai - and then propose a theory which not only responds to their questions but also casts the narrative sequencing issue in a different light. Source sheet >>

Ramban on the Torah | 43 | Behar, by Rav Eli Weber Why is the parasha said on Har Sinai? What is the meaning of Shemitta? How is Yom Kippur like Shabbat?

Having a Good Reputation is the Ultimate "Crown" (Avos 4:13), by Rav Dovid Gottlieb Why does the Mishna think that a "good reputation" is more prestigious than Kehuna, Malchut and Torah?? Learning Pirkei Avot with the commentary of Rav Asher Weiss

Pursuing TRUE Wisdom, Wealth, Health and Honor (Avot 4:1), by Rav Dovid Gottlieb Most people live lives in pursuit of wisdom and wealth, honor and strength - but do we even know what TRUE wealth, wisdom etc. is? Learning Pirkei Avot with the commentary of Rav Asher Weiss

Why is the "Spirit of the Law" So Important? (Avot 3:11), by Rav Dovid Gottlieb Learning Pirkei Avot with the commentary of Rav Asher Weiss

Strategies to Avoid Sin and Temptation (Avot 3:1), by Rav Dovid Gottlieb Learning Pirkei Avot with the commentary of Rav Asher Weiss

Ramban on the Torah | 42 | Emor, by Rav Eli Weber Should every mitzva be worthy of kiddush Hashem? What is the difference between Shabbat and Yom Tov? What makes a Yom Tov? What is the meaning of Sefirat Haomer?

Hallel on Yom HaAtzmaut, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom What is the significance of reciting Hallel on Yom haAtzmaut? The often heated discussions about the recitation of Hallel on Yom ha'Atzma'ut are often revealing about deeper divisions in perspective on the modern State of Israel and its religious significance. After an introduction in which several different perspectives are presented, source material arguing in favor of some form of thanksgiving on this day are presented. (The year that this shiur was originally given (2017) was a year in which Yom HaAtzmaut was celebrated a day early, the opposite of this year (2024); the explanation for the "shifting date" at the beginning of the shiur is still germane.) Source sheet >>

Preparing for Yom HaAtzmaut 2024, by Rav Moshe Taragin Balancing Conflicting Emotions; Watching the Deer; The Abnormal "Streets" of Yerushalayim

Ramban on the Torah | 41 | Kedoshim, by Rav Eli Weber Naval BeReshut HaTorah. Of all the Rambans on the Torah that we have done, the Ramban here is the most famous.

Kedoshim | "The Song of the Covenant" by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom Why was Parashat Kedoshim uniquely presented "publicly" (בהקהל) and how was that manifested? The first half of Parashat Kedoshim (Vayikra 19:1-37) was presented, per the opening verse, in a public forum - "מלמד שפרשה זו נאמרה בהקהל", as the Sifra states. The centrality of the content of these verses explains the significance of these passages, yet what are we to make of the "public presentation"? And how are we to account for the oft-repeated refrain of אני השם (אלקיכם) that punctuates this reading? A novel proposal of the method of presentation of these laws and its role in public transmission of the ברית is suggested here along with the role of this covenant in apposition to the engraved ברית of the עשרת הדברים. Source sheet >>

The Power of Torah Study Under Challenging Circumstances (Avot 2:4), by Rav Dovid Gottlieb Sharing Torah of Rav Asher Weiss

Pirkei Avot Perek 2, by Rav Moshe Taragin Part 1 - Perek 2: Should Torah Study be a Source of Pride?; Too Much Glorification of Talmidei Chachamim?; A Story About Rav Aharon Lichtenstein and "Lev Tov" Part 2: Perek 2- Hillel's Four Gateways of Humility

What is the "Proper Path" in Life? (Avot 2:1), by Rav Dovid Gottlieb A new series of shiurim - hopefully 2-3x per week - learning Pirkei Avot with the commentary of Rav Asher Weiss. The shiurim (~25 min per shiur) will follow the customary schedule of learning Pirkei Avot between Pesach and Shavuot - thus this week we are learning the 2nd chapter.

Acharei Mot | Vayikra 17: Mishkan to Machaneh, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom The pivot from cleansing to sanctity. Parashat Acharei Mot is made up of 3 segments; the first is a conclusion to the "Torat haMishkan", as it prescribes how to cleanse the Mishkan of impurities; the final segment opens up the "Torat haMachaneh", detailing how to infuse sanctity into our mundane spheres of life. The middle section, which contains five commands, seems to be both out of place and internally contradictory, presenting laws that are apparently temporary yet declaring them to be חקת עולם - a permanent rule. In this shiur, we examine ויקרא יז and present an argument for its sequence and location. Source sheet >>

10 Ways to Merge October 7th into our Seder Experience, by Rav Moshe Taragin Which moments in the haggada can we anchor to our conflicting emotions of the past six months. Audio shiur with a printable tip sheet >>

A Tale of Two Sedarim: From Bnei B'rak to Lod, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom Why wasn't R. Gamliel at the "Seder" in B'nei Brak? Although we envision the evening of the Seder as being focused on the story of יציאת מצרים, there is another theme which holds a position of honor in the evening's discussion - the laws of Korban haPesach. Just as the famous "Seder" in Bnei Brak involved 5 of our greatest sages engaged in the recounting of the story of the Exodus all night, the Tosefta tells of a "parallel" seder led by R. Gamliel, where the focus of discussion all night was הלכות (קרבן) הפסח. The significance of the Korban, although relegated to commemorative status after the destruction of the Mikdash, still has a significant impact on the nature of the evening. We explore the dispute among Tannaim - and, later - Rishonim - as to whether the Korban Pesach needed to be eaten before midnight or could be eaten until dawn as a reflection of different approaches to understanding the underlying reason for the Korban and, essentially, the nature of the celebration of this most powerful of sanctified feasts. Source sheet >>

Thoughts on the Iranian Attack, by Rav Moshe Taragin Upon Eagle's Wings or Under a Succah? Creating Remedies Prior to Perils...During Dark Periods of History; Taking The Battle To The Heavens

Pesach | Dayyenu?! by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom Would it really have been enough? One of the most popular hymns included in all Haggadot is the two-part paean "Dayyenu", which is a relative latecomer to the evening - it first appears in R. Saa'diah's Machzor as a song that some sing at the end of the evening. Its popularity, in a sense, clouds the myriad difficulties that these lines raise: Why does this praise extend far beyond the spatial and temporal bounds of "Yetziat Mitzrayim" to include the building of the Mikdash? Why are the unusual terms "Ma'alot" and "Makom" used here? Why is the list of kindnesses for which we thank Hashem repeated here? Why does the author seemingly double-up on certain events, as if to deliberately extend the list? And, the bottom line question is: "Dayyenu"? Would it really have been enough for us had Hashem stopped before any of these stages? Enough intro - to the shiur... Source sheet >>

Haggada Highlights and Pesach Insights, by Rav Dovid Gottlieb 10 great ideas for the Seder and throughout Pesach, Women's Halacha Shiur at Kehillat Haela (RBS)

Can You Invite Non-Religious Guests for Shabbat or Yom Tov Meals?? by Rav Dovid Gottlieb In the last shiur we saw 16! different possible mitzvot when relating to non-frum Jews. Today we will discuss invitations, especially relevant as we are coming upon the Pesach Seder. Most people have non-Orthodox relatives and/or co-workers - can you invite them for a Shabbat meal or to the Seder if you know that they will drive? What responsibility do we have for other people's sins?

Shemini | Who Are "Those Who Are Close To Me"? by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom What did Moshe mean when he said הוא אשר דבר השם בקרובי אקדש? The dramatic and climactic narrative of the "Eighth Day" is shattered by the tragic death of Nadav and Avihu, which is followed by Moshe's words (of consolation? encouragement?) to Aharon and then by the Divine command, given (for the only time) exclusively to Aharon, regarding the ban on entering the Mishkan while inebriated. The narrative then continues with the details of Aharon and his surviving sons and their continuing the special worship of the day. Moshe's words to Aharon are, however, a bit unclear - is he consoling him over the death of his sons or is there an even grander statement being made? We explore the statement through the eyes of the Sifra and Rashi, but then see a distinctly different approach suggested by Rashbam and R. Yosef Bekhor Shor. Source sheet >>

Ramban on the Torah | 40 | Shemini, by Rav Eli Weber When does Moshe give Aharon a pep talk? When was Birkat Kohanim actually said? What was the sin of Nadav and Avihu?

Loving our Fellow Jews: The Obligations and Limits of Kiruv, by Rav Dovid Gottlieb First in a series on our relationship with fellow Jews distant from yiddishkeit. What we are fortunate enough to experience, we forget is only relevant to a painful minority, even here in Israel. A shiur in practical halakha given at Kehillat Haela, Ramat Beit Shemesh, on March 27th, 2024

Tzav | What is Torat Ha-Olah? by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom Why doesn't the opening section of Parashat Tzav actually talk about the korban ha-olah - even though it's titled zot torat ha-olah? The first seven chapters of Vayikra are devoted to detailed instructions regarding the various קרבנות; the first five, which make up פרשת ויקרא, present nearly all of the offerings from the perspective of the donor, whereas the next two, which make up over half of פרשת צו, address the same range of קרבנות from the vantage point of the כהנים - the officiants. The opening פרשה in צו is titled "תורת העולה" yet it doesn't provide any further details about the קרבן העולה - but the subsequent פרשות all do present numerous details about the מנחה, about the חטאת etc. We explore the unique role of the קרבן עולה and its vital role in the ongoing sanctification of the altar as well as the continuous presence of השם in the משכן. Source sheet >>

Ramban on the Torah | 39 | Tzav, by Rav Eli Weber How is Tzav different from Vayikra? Is Derekh Eretz a requirement or a suggestion? In what order did these parashot happen? And more...

Ramban on the Torah | 37 | Pekudei, by Rav Eli Weber Why does the Torah repeat the fact that the Mishkan was built as Moshe was commanded? Why does the Torah tell us how the golden thread was made? What is the meaning of the means of a mitzva?

Ramban on the Torah | 38 | Vayikra, by Rav Eli Weber What is the purpose of Chumash Vayikra? What is the meaning of the Korbanot? Why does the mitzvah of Zachor exist?

Zakhor | Who Is Responsible For Eradicating Amalek? by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom אמחה or תמחה? Upon the successful completion of the war against Amalek, led by Yehoshua and directed by Moshe, Hashem commands Moshe to "write this for a memorial in the (a?) scroll and place it in the ears of Yehoshua, for I will utterly wipe out the memory of Amalek..." These two odd phrases - "כתב זאת זכרון בספר" and the unmatched "שים באזני יהושע" themselves beg for clarification; yet the clear contradiction between the declaration "I will utterly wipe out the memory of Amalek" _ מחה אמחה את זכר עמלק - and the command in Devarim 25: "You shall utterly wipe out the memory of Amalek" - תמחה את זכר עמלק - requires resolution. We examine both the contradiction, as well as the two odd phrases - and our exploration leads us to observing a development in the relationship between Bnei Yisrael and Hashem during the years in the desert. Source sheet >>

Pekudei | On the First Day: The Commemorative Function of the Mishkan, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom Why was the Mishkan's inauguration commanded to take place on Rosh Chodesh of the first month (Nissan)? As Sefer Shemot moves towards its festive conclusion, Moshe is commanded to raise up the Mishkan on the "First day of the first month" - language reminiscent of the beginning of this long journey, back in Egypt, when Bnei Yisrael were given their first communal command - "החדש הזה לכם ראש חדשים, ראשון הוא לכם". We explore the various assumed and explicitly stated purposes of the Mishkan and raise an additional possibility, based on a careful read of the first series of verses in the last chapter of Shemot. Source sheet >>

Purim | Hiding in Plain Sight, by Rav Dovid Gottlieb The magic and miracle of Purim. A shiur in practical halakha given at Kehillat Haela, Ramat Beit Shemesh, on March 6th, 2024.

Israel at War: Faith in War Time. Episode 4 in Conversations with Rabbanit Esti Rosenberg and Dr. Tovah Lichtenstein Swords of Iron Day 153 | In this episode, Rabbanit Esti Rosenberg and her mother Dr. Tovah Lichtenstein discuss what it means to have faith in God in times of crisis, and they don't shy away from big questions: Is it reasonable to ask what God wants from us? Do we have the right to be angry with God, whose ways are always just? They consider the ways in which Israel may have contributed to the current crisis, and how we can grow through confronting difficulties. They note how different generations grapple differently with faith challenges. Dr. Lichtenstein explains Rav Soloveitchik's approach to evil, and they conclude with the importance of blessing God even during hard times. *This podcast was created thanks to the Arev Fund's generous support.

Ramban On The Torah | 36 | Vayakhel, by Rav Eli Weber Why does Moshe gather all of Am Israel? What is the relationship between the Mishkan and Shabbat? What is the difference between "נשאו ליבו" and "נדבה רוחו" ? Why is it important that Bnei Yisrael brought more than was needed for the Mishkan?

A Tale of Two Adars, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom Why do we delay celebrating Purim until Adar Sheini? The Mishna in Megila addresses the circumstance where after fully celebrating Purim, the Beit-Din decided to add another month to the year; although the Tosefta records a dissenting opinion, the Mishna rules (and such is the Halakha) that the Megila must be re-read in the "added" Adar - as well as the special Parashot that are read in Adar (Shekalim, Zakhor etc.). To wit, (virtually) all of the Mitzvot unique to Adar may only be fulfilled in Adar Sheini. We explore the Bavli and Yerushalmi's discussion of the various opinions and the rationale provided for ruling in accord with רשב"ג - that the Megila must be read in the Adar that is proximate to Nisan. We discover a curious explanation in the Yerushalmi, along with an innovative understanding of the impact of "מסמך גאולה לגאולה" - keeping the celebration of the redemption from Haman as close as possible the celebration of the Exodus. Source sheet >>

Ki Tisa | What Was Written On the Second Set of Tablets? by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom After Moshe breaks the Luchot - which, until that point, were only referred to as לוחות העדות ("Tablets of Testimony") - Hashem commands him to carve out new ones and Hashem states that He will write on these newly hewn tablets "the words which were on the first tablets which you broke." Later on in the narrative, there is some confusion as to who (or Who) is to write, what is to be written and where it is to be written. We examine all of the possibilities, find a curious and innovative understanding in the commentary of the Netzi"v and then, building on that, propose a novel suggestion as to what was written on the לוחות השניות - and why, only after this point, are they called לוחות הברית - The Tablets of the Covenant. Source sheet >>

Ramban On The Torah | 35 | Ki Tisa, by Rav Eli Weber How did the number of Bnei Yisrael stay the same in both censuses? What is the meaning of the Egel?

Non-Jewish Fashion and Culture, by Rav Dovid Gottlieb Where do you draw the line? A shiur in practical halakha given at Kehillat Haela, Ramat Beit Shemesh, on Feb 28th, 2024.

What is Tzni'ut? Sichat mussar by Rav Moshe Taragin (Hint: It's not only for women and not only how you dress) Is social media killing tzni'ut? Is it diminishing self-esteem?